Balls signed by soccer legends – thanks to Pelé – could fetch up to $18K

By Adam Dutton via SWNS

A hat trick of footballs which Pele asked 126 of the greatest players of all time to autograph, could sell for up to £15,000 ($18,000 USD).

The three leather balls hold the signatures of footballing legends from the 20th century, including Maradona, George Best and England's 1966 World Cup hero Bobby Charlton.

Pele, who died in December, also autographed one of the footballs alongside fellow Brazil stars Ronaldo and Cafu.

The iconic footballs are now expected to fetch between £12,000 ($14,500 USD) and £15,000 ($18,000 USD) when they are sold at auction next Wednesday, Feb. 15.

Charles Hanson, the owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “In 2004, to celebrate FIFA's Centenary, Pele was asked to choose 100 of the world's best players and these three footballs were signed by 126 legends of the game, including Pele himself.

“It’s a Who’s Who of football. This remarkable lot pays homage to some of the finest sportsmen the game has ever known, players whose skills have thrilled football fans the world over from the 1950s onwards.

“For example, Bobby Charlton’s name is there, a man who signed amateur forms with Manchester United at the age of 15 in 1953 and went on to play in England’s victorious World Cup winning side in 1966.

“Other English and Irish greats include George Best and David Beckham but this is a celebration of world football.

“Think of a top star from any football-loving nation and he’s probably signed one of the balls.

“Other big names include Diego Maradona, Ronaldo, Cafu, Franz Beckenbauer, Ferenc Puskas, Gerd Muller, Johan Cruyff, Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Alfredo Di Stefano and Gianluigi Buffon.

“It’s just incredible. It’s probably the ultimate piece of memorabilia for any football fan.”

The balls were originally auctioned by Christie’s at the FIFA Centenary Gala in the presence of Pele and bought by collector Martin Hughes.

Mr. Hughes has now donated the footballs to charity with the auction’s proceeds going to the London Playing Fields Foundation.

A long-sleeved Brazil football shirt made for Pele’s last International match against Yugoslavia in July 1971, but was never worn, is also set to fetch up to £30,000.